metabarcoding – Page 2

Integrated peloton and fruiting body isotope data shed light on mycoheterotrophic interactions in Gastrodia pubilabiata (Orchidaceae)

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This study examined how a special orchid called Gastrodia pubilabiata obtains nutrients from fungi by comparing the chemical signatures of fungal cells found inside the orchid’s roots with those of mushroom fruiting bodies. The researchers found that the fungal cells inside the roots had nearly identical chemical signatures to the mushroom fruiting bodies, confirming that scientists can accurately study this relationship by analyzing extracted fungal cells. This finding helps validate a scientific method that has been increasingly used to understand how orchids feed on fungi without performing photosynthesis.

Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

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This research collection explores fungi living in extreme environments like salty lagoons, Arctic lakes, and polluted soils. Scientists discovered that many fungi have special abilities to survive harsh conditions and can even help clean up contaminated areas. The findings suggest that understanding these remarkable fungi could lead to new applications in environmental cleanup and sustainable agriculture. The research emphasizes the need to combine traditional laboratory methods with modern genetic techniques to fully understand fungal diversity.

Integrated peloton and fruiting body isotope data shed light on mycoheterotrophic interactions in Gastrodia pubilabiata (Orchidaceae)

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Some orchids don’t photosynthesize and instead get their nutrients directly from fungi they associate with. This study examined an unusual orchid species whose roots grow in direct contact with mushroom fruiting bodies. By analyzing the chemical signatures of different parts of this system, researchers confirmed that examining fungal threads extracted from orchid roots accurately reflects the fungal partner’s composition, validating a method that helps scientists study these fascinating plant-fungus partnerships when mushrooms cannot be easily found.

From seagrass roots to saline soils: discovery of two new genera in Lulworthiales (Sordariomycetes) from osmotically stressed habitats

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Researchers discovered two previously unknown types of fungi living in extreme saltwater and salty soil environments. One fungus lives symbiotically within seagrass roots in Mauritius, while the other was found in saline soils in the Czech Republic. These findings show that fungi traditionally thought to live only in marine environments actually have a broader range of habitats and ecological roles than previously understood.

Investigating fungal diversity through metabarcoding for environmental samples: assessment of ITS1 and ITS2 Illumina sequencing using multiple defined mock communities with different classification methods and reference databases

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Scientists developed a comprehensive method for identifying different fungi in environmental samples using DNA sequencing technology called metabarcoding. They tested 37 mixtures of known fungi species to compare different approaches, including which DNA markers to use, which reference databases to search, and which computer analysis methods to apply. The study found that the choice of method significantly affects results, with some approaches better at genus-level identification and others at species identification, helping researchers select the best approach for their specific needs.

Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome

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A beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis ED24 was found to effectively protect wheat plants from a destructive fungal disease called Fusarium culmorum. When applied to wheat seeds, this bacteria improved seed germination and plant growth better than a commercial chemical fungicide, while also promoting helpful microorganisms in the soil around the plant roots. The bacteria works by producing special chemical compounds that kill the harmful fungus and by enriching the soil microbiome with beneficial organisms.

What Quality Suffices for Nanopore Metabarcoding? Reconsidering Methodology and Ectomycorrhizae in Decaying Fagus sylvatica Bark as Case Study

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This study shows that Nanopore DNA sequencing can reliably identify fungi in decaying wood. Researchers developed guidelines for quality filtering of Nanopore data to ensure accurate identification of fungal species. They found that specific mycorrhizal fungi, particularly Laccaria amethystina and Tomentella sublilacina, colonize young beech trees growing on decaying logs and help them obtain nutrients.

Fungal Assemblages in Northern Elms—Impacts of Host Identity and Health, Growth Environment, and Presence of Dutch Elm Disease

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This study examined the fungi living in elm tree shoots to understand how different elm species, tree health, and location affect fungal communities. Researchers found that diseased elms had more diverse fungi than healthy ones, and that a fungus called Sphaeropsis ulmicola may be as damaging as the classic Dutch elm disease pathogen. Urban elm trees hosted more different types of fungi than rural ones, suggesting that city conditions influence which fungi can grow on elms.

Protein Coding Low-Copy rpb2 and ef1-α Regions Are Viable Fungal Metabarcoding DNA Markers Which Can Supplement ITS for Better Accuracy

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Researchers tested different DNA markers for identifying fungal species using DNA sequencing technology. They compared the standard fungal marker (ITS) with two alternative protein-coding markers (rpb2 and ef1-α) on closely related mushroom species. The results showed that using multiple markers together provides better and more reliable identification of fungal species compared to using just one marker, which is especially useful for environmental monitoring and species identification studies.

Unraveling the mycobiota of Daqu at the species level using metabarcoding of full-length ITS sequences

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Daqu is a special fermentation starter used to make Baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcohol. Researchers analyzed fungi in 296 Daqu samples from across China using advanced DNA sequencing technology. They identified 86 different fungal species and found that the types of fungi present depend on both the temperature during fermentation and the geographic region where the Daqu is made. These findings could help improve the quality and consistency of Baijiu production.

Research Keyword: metabarcoding